Pulaski County Disaster Risk
Pulaski County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
46th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
66th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pulaski County, Virginia
Pulaski's risk sits slightly above national norm
With a composite risk score of 45.9, Pulaski ranks as relatively low overall—just above the national average. The county's flood risk of 65.8 and earthquake risk of 68.0 create elevated exposure despite lower tornado and wildfire threats.
Moderately riskier than Virginia average
Pulaski's score of 45.9 exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.3, placing it in the upper-middle tier of commonwealth counties. The county's southwest location and river geography contribute to above-average hazard exposure.
Riskier than most rural Virginia counties
Pulaski (45.9) ranks higher than Powhatan (21.1), Prince Edward (32.4), and Prince George (13.9), but lower than Prince William (83.2). The county's flood vulnerability from major river corridors distinguishes it from other inland areas.
Flooding poses the paramount threat
Pulaski's flood risk of 65.8 far surpasses tornado risk of 17.7 and wildfire risk of 25.9, making water damage the primary concern. Earthquake exposure at 68.0 adds secondary vulnerability despite Pulaski's distance from major seismic zones.
Flood coverage must be your priority
Pulaski homeowners near rivers or flood-prone areas should secure flood insurance immediately through the National Flood Insurance Program or private carriers. Standard homeowners policies exclude flooding, leaving uninsured residents vulnerable to significant financial loss.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pulaski County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pulaski County
Risk Verdict
Pulaski County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 46th percentile across all U.S. counties. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Pulaski County's favorable 46th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Pulaski County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (52th percentile), wildfire (26th percentile), tornado (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 68th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Pulaski County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. Flood at the 66th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Pulaski County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. For Pulaski County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
A composite score 12.7 points above the Virginia state average puts Pulaski County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Pulaski County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pulaski County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Pulaski County?
How does Pulaski County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Pulaski County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pulaski County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.